Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain

Question 8 of 9 The patient with acute low back pain tells that nurse that a new job requires stocking shelves with boxes of equipment. Which information about proper body mechanics should the nurse give the patient? "Do not lift boxes past the elbows." "Wear a back brace while lifting the boxes." "Do not lift boxes beyond the level of the shoulders." "Avoid lifting boxes that weigh more than 10 pounds."

"Do not lift boxes past the elbows." This is the correct lifting technique that should be followed by the patient to maintain safety.

Question 3 of 9 The student nurse asks the instructor, "Why are nurses at such great risk for developing low back pain?" Which response by the instructor is correct? "Nurses spend a lot of time standing." "Nurses often do not have time to take breaks and rest." "Nurses often perform a lot of heavy lifting and bending." "Nurses sometimes use poor posture while sitting down during documentation."

"Nurses often perform a lot of heavy lifting and bending." The physical activities involved in patient care include lifting, turning, and bending. All of these activities can increase the risk for low back pain.

Question 1 of 3 During a triage assessment, the nurse notices that a patient with low back pain is sobbing softly. Based on this observation, which would be an appropriate response? "You seem upset. I'll leave you alone for a while." "Don't be upset. Many people suffer with back pain." "Everything will be all right. We will find a treatment that works." "You are crying. Do you want to talk about how you're feeling?"

"You are crying. Do you want to talk about how you're feeling?" Low back pain can cause frustration. The nurse will need to provide emotional support and gentle, understanding care to the patient.

Question 3 of 3 The nurse is caring for a patient with unrelieved chronic pain. The patient becomes very tearful and says, "No amount of physical therapy or drugs has worked. I'll never get relief!" Which is an appropriate response by the nurse? "Don't worry. It can take some time for your pain to be relieved." "I know exactly how you feel, but there are other things that can be done." "I can speak to your health care provider about increasing your pain medication dose." "You seem very upset. Would you like to talk to your provider about surgical options?"

"You seem very upset. Would you like to talk to your provider about surgical options?" This response by the nurse acknowledges the patient's feelings and offers the option of exploring other possible methods of treatment. The nurse understands that several surgical options may be used to treat chronic back pain that does not respond to noninvasive therapy.

Question 3 of 3 A patient recently diagnosed with chronic low back pain tells the clinic nurse that she has added spinning classes to her exercise routine of step aerobics and weight training. The patient asks the nurse for any suggestions about other workouts to add. Which response should the nurse give to the patient? "Swimming is a safe low-impact workout to add to your routine." "You should discuss your routine with your health care provider." "Exercise is an important part of managing your pain. You are doing great." "I think you are doing fine right now and should maintain this exercise routine."

"You should discuss your routine with your health care provider." Excessive exercise beyond the health care provider's recommendation is not advised. The nurse is correct in recommending that the patient discuss this routine with her health care provider.

Question 4 of 9 A patient with low back pain is beginning chiropractic therapy. The provider prescribes cyclobenzaprine, 10 mg every eight hours as needed, for muscle stiffness or pain. The medication is available in 5-mg tablets. The patient asks the nurse, "How many of these pills can I take each day?"

6 Every eight hours equals three times per day (24/8 = 3). The order is for 10 mg every eight hours; 10 mg 3 = 30 mg in 24 hours. The medication is available in 5-mg tablets. 30 mg/ 5-mg tablets = six tablets in 24 hours.

Question 1 of 3 Which patient does the nurse identify as having the greatest risk for developing low back pain? A 24-year-old woman five months postpartum A 41-year-old patient with a history of a tibia fracture A 56-year-old patient who smoked during adolescence A 30-year-old patient with a body mass index (BMI) 10% above recommended value

A 30-year-old patient with a body mass index (BMI) 10% above recommended value Being overweight is a risk factor for low back pain, and this patient has a BMI 10% above the recommended value.

Question 2 of 3 A patient with low back pain relates working as a cashier at a local grocery store. Which item would the nurse teach the patient to keep nearby in the workplace to best assist with managing pain? Ice packs A footstool A nonskid mat A chair with high back support

A footstool Use of a footstool will help the patient maintain a neutral pelvic position, which will alleviate the pain.

Question 1 of 3 A patient arrives at the emergency department stating that he twisted his back while playing football and is having "really bad pain." Which order does the nurse anticipate will be given initally for the patient? Apply ice pack for pain Restrict activity for 24 hours Administer ibuprofen for pain Refer patient for physical therapy

Administer ibuprofen for pain Administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, is an appropriate initial pain relief measure for acute pain.

Question 7 of 9 The nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient admitted to the hospital with chronic back pain. Which interventions should be included in the plan? Select all that apply. Encourage bed rest Assess patient's pain level Provide a light, soft mattress Offer hot and cold compresses Provide pillows while the patient is sleeping

Assess patient's pain level Offer hot and cold compresses Provide pillows while the patient is sleeping

Question 3 of 3 A patient reports nonradiating pain in the buttocks and numbness and tingling in the toes. The patient tells the nurse that the symptoms have been getting worse over the last few months, but the patient cannot remember what triggered it. The nurse suspects the patient may be experiencing which type of low back pain? Sciatica Chronic back pain Acute low back pain Overactivity back pain

Chronic back pain Chronic low back pain lasts more than three months, and the exact cause can be difficult to pinpoint.

Question 9 of 9 The nurse walks into the room of a patient with low back pain. The patient is packing belongings and preparing for discharge. The nurse notes the patient is leaning forward with the legs straight, picking up shoes off the floor. Which action should the nurse take? Ask a physical therapist to evaluate the patient's body mechanics. Call the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to help the patient pack. Praise the patient for good understanding and using good body mechanics. Correct the patient by reminding him or her to bend the knees when leaning forward.

Correct the patient by reminding him or her to bend the knees when leaning forward. Bending the knees when leaning forward is the correct and safe way to bend to retrieve items off the floor or ground.

Question 2 of 3 A patient with chronic back pain tells the nurse, "I'd like to try more natural methods to control my pain. I'd rather not take any medications." Which information should the nurse provide the patient? Details on a local acupuncture studio Contact information for a pain relief clinic Recommend over-the-counter (OTC) herbal remedies Emphasis on the importance of taking medications as prescribed

Details on a local acupuncture studio Complementary therapy would not include use of medications and can be effective in treating pain.

Question 5 of 9 A patient with chronic low back pain is complaining of difficulty sleeping. Which medication would be an appropriate treatment for the patient's complaint? Ibuprofen Duloxetine Prednisone Gabapentin

Duloxetine Duloxetine, an antidepressant, will assist with promoting sleep.

Question 2 of 3 A patient asks the nurse about the causes of low back pain. Which statement correctly describes the most common cause of low back pain? Overactivity of the lower back muscles causes pain and soreness. Vertebral breakdown causes low back pain and radiculopathy. Degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of low back pain. Scoliosis is a common spinal disorder in adults that can lead to low back pain.

Overactivity of the lower back muscles causes pain and soreness. Overactivity is the most common cause of low back pain. Muscles and ligament fibers can be overstretched or injured during overactivity.

Question 6 of 9 The nurse is caring for a patient with acute low back pain. Which topics would be included when teaching the patient about management techniques? Select all that apply. Encouraging one week of bed rest Safe use of oral opioid medications Attending physical therapy sessions Information on complementary therapy Consulting with a surgeon regarding surgical options

Safe use of oral opioid medications Safe, recommended use of opioid analgesics is effective in managing pain. Correct Attending physical therapy sessions Physical therapy can help the patient manage pain and develop techniques to prevent further episodes. Correct Information on complementary therapy Complementary therapy, such as acupuncture, is effective in managing pain.

Question 1 of 9 Which findings would the nurse expect to note when assessing the lower extremities of a patient with low back pain? Select all that apply. Pale, cool skin Tense muscle tone Hyperactive reflexes Guarding of the area Decreased pain with movement

Tense muscle tone Tense, firm muscles that do not relax easily are an expected objective finding in a patient with low back pain. Correct Hyperactive reflexes Exaggerated reflexes are an expected objective finding in a patient with low back pain. Correct Guarding of the area Guarding or protecting the painful area is an expected objective finding in a patient with low back pain.

Question 2 of 9 The nurse is reviewing the intake forms for a patient with acute low back pain. Which finding is most likely related to the cause of the pain? Went swimming the previous day History of degenerative disc disease (DDD) Twisted funny while playing volleyball Smokes a half pack of cigarettes per week

Twisted funny while playing volleyball Acute pain has a sudden onset most likely secondary to an injury, such as that sustained while participating in sports.